Public Art Registry
Meristem
Meristem (Front Face)
Meristem (Looking Norh)
Meristem (Side View)
4488 Cambie Street
Parc Elise
Main entrance to building
Private development
2018
Bronze
Sculpture
In place
Privately owned - Strata
Description of work

A 20-foot bold vertical bronze sculpture, reminiscent of natural plant forms.

Artist statement

The work is a reference to the tissue in most plants containing undifferentiated cells (meristematic cells), found in zones of the plant where growth can take place. Meristematic cells give rise to various organs of a plant and are responsible for growth.

The recent transformation of the Cambie corridor from single-family homes to higher density development inspired us to examine the idea of growth. The proximity of Queen Elizabeth Park focused this examination to expression of plant forms.

The metaphor of undifferentiated cells allowing complex growth can be exended to the human and social spheres and to the opportunities presented by the dramatic change in the fabric of this neighbourhood.

Two sides of the bronze sculpture are smooth planar sections terminating at the top in a point, while the third side is a rough, cast surface designed to retain an ancient-looking patina. The smooth surfaces present a calm and elegant facade to the viewer while the third side is seasoned with bright streaks of turquoise, purple and green sharing the warm brown surface.

The viewer is able to engage in the two every different surfaces of the monolith in an intimage way due to scale.

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